Violence erupts in New Caledonia as shots are fired at security forces

Riots and Violence Erupt in New Caledonia Over Voting Reforms

New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory, was plunged into chaos as riots broke out over proposed voting reforms on Monday (May 13). The situation escalated to the point where shots were fired at security forces, looting of shops, and torching of vehicles.

The High Commissioner of the Republic Louis Le Franc confirmed that no deaths had been reported, but high calibre weapons and hunting rifles were used to shoot at the gendarmes. The protests turned violent, leading to a curfew and ban on public gatherings being imposed by authorities.

Witnesses described the scene as a warzone, with car dealerships and a factory set on fire in the capital Noumea. Several supermarkets were looted in Noumea and neighboring towns, causing widespread destruction.

Authorities reported that around 36 people were arrested and 30 police officers were injured during the unrest. The situation was described as “very intense public order turbulence” by the high commission.

In response to the violence, schools and colleges were closed until further notice, and the international airport was shut down. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters even cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest.

The New Caledonia government has called for calm and reason amidst the chaos. The protests stem from a proposed voting reform aimed at increasing the number of eligible voters in the territory’s provincial elections, as part of France’s commitment to give more political power to the Pacific island territory.